Abstract [en]

The energy that the earth receives from the sun hourly has potential to cover a year’s energy demand in the world. Further, this type of energy is environmentally friendly, natural and free of cost. This report covers solar energy in an urban environment and consists of a case study of installations of photovoltaic cells in a part of the city of Stockholm. It is mainly the economic aspects that are covered but there is also a discussion about the practical consequences and the sustainability as a result of integration of solar energy in an urban environment.

The aim of the study is to present results from economic calculations for utilization of solar energy in chosen buildings in Kungsholmen in Stockholm. The techniques that compose possible solar energy systems in urban environments are presented in a literature review as well as the financial aspects that affect the alternative that is perceived as most appropriate for the buildings.

The techniques that are being covered are the photovoltaic cells as well as systems of heating and cooling from solar collectors. The application of photovoltaic cells on the objects of study is constituted by an intended installation, where the physical potential of the buildings as well as the energy supply from the sun forms the basis for the different energy calculations that are carried out. Further, the system engineering aspects and the converted energy from the photovoltaic cells are included and compared with the energy demand and the energy supply of the studied objects. Over time, the installation results in revenues from converted energy as well as expenses, which in an economic calculation compare with the expense of the photovoltaic cells. The result shows that the profitability is dependent on various variables and that there are both positive and negative investment decisions for the studied objects. In the sensitivity analysis a variation of the variables is tested to show the impact on the end result. It appears that state aid, development of the price of energy, cost of capital and type of photovoltaic module has impact on the investment decision. The report is finished off with a conclusion and recommendations for future studies.